Category Archives: Featured News

Students partner with City of Ventura to improve hillside

On Tuesday, September 3rd, the City of Ventura, Councilmember Lorrie Brown, the Ventura Botanical Gardens, the Serra Cross Conservancy and California Lutheran University partnered with more than 500 college students to improve the hillside area of Grant Park which was damaged during the Thomas Fire.

Steven De Fratus and Lorrie Brown mulched the day away.

Steven De Fratus, Community Partnerships Supervisor coordinated the project with Councilmember Brown.

“We raked mulch in the area impacted by the fire. It was a creative way for us new freshmen to really get to know each other and help out our community. Helping our community is important to me and I think this is a great way to do it,” said freshman Erica Weis.

The students spread mulch, removed debris and cleaned areas surrounding the trails. For the past 12 years Volunteer Ventura has partnered with Cal Lutheran for the “You’ve Got Served” volunteer effort to improve various areas of Ventura.

“I am an alumna of CLU and it was great to work alongside CLU students to help improve our community during this important service project,” said Councilmember Lorrie Brown. “The more we can work together the better our community will be. The students worked so hard during this project. They truly helped to make a difference in Ventura.”

Ventura Botanical Gardens Board President Tracy Long was also on hand helping to pitch in.

Previously Cal Lutheran’s students and city staff have removed arundo and invasive ice plant in the Ventura Harbor Wetlands located off of Spinnaker in the Harbor.

The Gardens are open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Members get in free (with $45 annual membership) and others pay $7. On Tuesdays, admission is free. Dogs are welcome Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Deputy Public Works Director elected as the President-Elect of the APWA

Ivers has been involved in public works for over 27 years.

Mary Joyce Ivers, Deputy Public Works Director with the City of Ventura has been elected as the President-Elect of the American Public Works Association (APWA). Ivers will lead a 17-member Board of Directors who serve more than 30,000 public works professionals throughout North America. APWA aims to enhance the visibility and awareness of public works, to give voice to the issues surrounding infrastructure on local and national levels, and to equip public works professionals with quality educational opportunities and resources so that they can more effectively work to improve the quality of life for all.

“The Public Works Department is very proud and excited for Mary Joyce Ivers and this outstanding opportunity. She has served the City of Ventura so well. She will do an amazing job at the national level,” said Public Works Director Phillip Nelson.

Ivers has been involved in public works for over 27 years. She was recently promoted to Deputy Public Works Director overseeing the Operations activities within the Public Works Department. The Public Works department oversees $100 million with a team of 91 public works “First Responders” who continue to rebuild the community after the Thomas Fire. Prior to serving as Interim Public Works Director, she spent 17 years as the Fleet and Facilities Manager for the City of Ventura. In this position she managed a $10 million operating budget, managed 25 employees and interacted daily with City departments and the residents of Ventura. In 2017, she was recognized as the National Government Fleet Manager of the Year and was inducted to the Public Fleet Hall of Fame in 2018.

The City of Ventura Public Works Department received the prestigious American Public Works Association Accreditation Award and became the 92nd Agency out of 38,142 cities, towns and counties throughout the United States to receive this honor in 2014. This award recognizes Public Works Departments for implementing nationally recognized best practices, state-of-the-art operations, and the most efficient use of public resources. The City of Ventura Public Works Department is the 11th city in California to be accredited. Worldwide there are 95 agencies accredited – 93 in the US and 2 in Canada.

The City of Ventura Public Works mission is to build and maintain vital infrastructure and protect the environment for the safety, enjoyment and prosperity of future generations. The City’s 2018-2024 Adopted Capital Improvement Plan contains 140 capital improvement projects with a total of $695 million. A total of $60.3 million is planned in capital improvements for the new fiscal year. The department designs, constructs, inspects, improves and maintains the City’s infrastructure, including traffic, lights, sidewalks, streetlights, roadways, land development, solid waste, storm water and parking operations.

Former VUSD teacher and assistant principal honored five years after death

Chris Prewitt, husband, and father was out training for a marathon.

On the morning of April 7, 2014, Chris Prewitt, husband, and father was out training for a marathon when he was hit by a driver under the influence and passed away. Chris’ students described him as inspiring, with an ever-present smile and welcoming attitude. Two organizations will honor his spirit this month.  Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) recently hosted the Ventura County Walk Like MADD 5K in his honor, and the Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) awarded the Chris Prewitt Eternal Optimist Award at a District-wide meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.

Prewitt was a teacher at Foothill Technology High School (FTHS) from 2003-2012, after which he became an assistant principal at DeAnza Academy of Technology & the Arts (DATA).  He also coached the Buena High School girls water polo team for many years, where he began every practice with an inspirational quote to get the girls motivated and ready to work. FTHS teacher and close friend, Cameron Crouch, said that he could hardly process what happened when the accident occurred.

“My heart immediately broke over losing a best friend, a brother, my children’s amazing uncle, my son’s godfather. He was a friend of 17 years. We had many adventures and laughs together,” Crouch said. “His impact on the community of Ventura through his teaching, coaching, as assistant principal…he gave his all in each area of his life. The world lost an amazing man.”

Many VUSD staff and their friends and family walked in the Walk Like MADD event on August 10.  Ventura Unified School District Board President, Sabrena Rodriquez, led the “Do it for Pruitt” team, which had 35 walkers and raised funds which will go back to support MADD’s mission.

 

First female Ventura Police officer graduates from Supervisory Leadership Institute

Sergeant Sarah Starr and Police Chief Ken Corney are all smiles at her graduation.

The Ventura Police Department is proud to announce that Sergeant Sarah Starr graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute on August 23, 2019. She is the first female Ventura Police Officer to graduate from the 8-month leadership program. This intensive program, designed by the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, trains supervisors on the importance of leadership, ethics, decision making and management.

Sergeant Starr has been a police officer for 15 years. She began her career in 2003. She was promoted to Corporal in 2007 and to Sergeant in 2014. She has her master’s degree in Public Administration. She has served as a Patrol Officer, Major Crimes Detective and Field Training Officer. She has also served as a trainer for Scenario Based and Tactical Decision Making Under Stress, as a member of the Peer Support and Trauma Support Team, as a member of the Rifle Team and was the Assistant Team Leader on the Crisis Negotiations Team. She was recently assigned to the Professional Standards Unit where she will oversee training and hiring. In her new role she will be responsible for helping the City of Ventura select the most qualified people to serve the community.

“There aren’t very many jobs out there that let you do something different every day and challenge you both mentally and physically. Our department is a great place to work especially because of the great group of people I serve alongside. I feel very lucky to have found my career path here at the Ventura Police Department. I can’t imagine doing any other job,” said Sergeant Starr.

The Ventura Police Department is committed to providing the community with the best trained police professionals to serve and protect Ventura.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“A Country Fair with Ocean Air” brings thousands to their happy place

Attendance for 2019 Fair was up from last year.

The Ventura County Fair closed after another successful Fair. Celebrating the best of the best from throughout Ventura County, the 144th year closed with success. Visitors came from near and far to enjoy the 12-day Fair, July 31 through August 11.

The Ventura County Fair’s mission is to preserve, promote, and showcase agriculture and the traditions of Ventura County. This was accomplished with competitive livestock and horse shows, agricultural exhibits, baking contests, produce tastings, agricultural demonstrations and much more.

Fairgoers were greeted with many outstanding attractions, including The All Alaskan Racing Pigs who made audiences squeal with delight, Slim & Curly, the wise cracking cowboys who make people laugh everywhere they go, and Star Child Stilt Circus, who amused children of all ages as they strolled merrily, high above the crowds. Exciting new carnival rides, including the Insomniac and the thrilling Hyperloop joined the lineup of Carnival Midway favorites such as the Wave Swinger and the Giant Ferris Wheel. New food offerings included Deep Fried Philly Cheese Steaks and Dinosaur Nachos that fulfilled the curiosity for new summer treats while the mini donuts and turkey legs satisfied the traditional cravings of many Fairgoers.

Attendance for 2019 remained strong at 302,783, up 1.26%.  “We do everything we can to bring the people of Ventura County a better experience every year,” said CEO Barbara Quaid, sharing the Fair’s winning strategy, “For us the focus is not about the numbers of people coming through the gates, but about the quality of the experience our guests have at the Fair. We measure our success by the number of smiles are on the faces of the people at the Fair.  We are committed to offering a clean, safe and fun experience that people will remember forever.” To that end the Fair conducted a survey of visitors at the fair and continues to solicit and address public sentiment.

Nearly 16,000 County residents entered art, crafts, projects and other curiosities in the competitive exhibits, winning prize ribbons and sharing their inspiring talents with Fair visitors.

Free entertainment was one of the offerings that drew thousands to the Fair. Not only the top name Concerts including Styx, Melissa Etheridge and Brothers Osborne, but also local bands were a huge fan favorites. Revelers came out to enjoy and lend their support for Ventura County entertainers including KNS Rockstar, Juano and Friends, The Rockin’ Henrys, Twisted Gypsy, Doc Rogers Band, and many others.

As is the case every year, overall success would not be possible without the tremendous support of volunteers, sponsors and the community. While the gates have closed on the 2019 Ventura County Fair, planning is already underway for the 2020 Fair

The Ventura County Fair is the County’s original Social Network where thousands of neighbors and friends have gathered every year for generations. The Fair employs up to 700 seasonal staff during the annual 12-day event. With annual attendance of approximately 300,000 visitors to the Fair, the communities throughout Ventura County share in the economic vitality derived from the Ventura County Fair. The Fair brings economic, social, educational, and cultural resources and provides lasting impressions on Fairgoers.

The Ventura County Fairgrounds consists of a 62.5-acre parcel and operates as a multi-purpose, multi-functional, year-round facility accommodating a variety of events.  Regarded as a premier rental facility, the Ventura County Fairgrounds and Event Center attracts some of the most popular shows and attractions in the county throughout the year, including livestock shows, dog shows, horse shows, home and recreation shows, concerts, dances, business expos, quinceañeras, weddings and receptions, motorcycle and automobile shows, camping groups, swap meets and much more.

Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere announces campaign for Ventura County Supervisor, District 1

A formal campaign kick-off event is scheduled for early September.

Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere has publicly announced his candidacy for the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, District 1. With deep roots in both Ventura and the Ojai Valley, an impressive record of leadership on Ventura’s City Council and a lengthy, diverse group of endorsements, Mayor LaVere is excited to kick-off his campaign for County Supervisor.

“I am running for Ventura County Supervisor for a simple reason: I want to continue working to ensure that the Ventura County my young daughters inherit in 20 years is even better than the Ventura County we know today” stated Mayor LaVere. “That means balancing respect for the County’s unique history, while also having a bold vision for its future. We need to be aggressive in creating and attracting jobs that pay a living wage. We need to build more affordable housing, not by paving over our precious open spaces but rather through redevelopment of blighted properties. We need to plan for a sustainable future by protecting our water sources, agricultural land, hills and beaches. We need to address the local homeless and mental health crisis. These are the issues that will determine the future of Ventura County and will be my top priorities as Supervisor.”

Mayor LaVere’s campaign for County Supervisor has been bolstered by significant support and enthusiasm in the community. He has received over $120,000 in campaign contributions from more than 300 unique donors. He is proud to have earned the endorsements of local elected leaders like Ventura City Councilmember (and former Mayor) Cheryl Heitmann, Ventura City Councilmember (and former Mayor) Erik Nasarenko, Ventura City Councilmember (and former Mayor) Jim Friedman, Ventura City Councilmember Lorrie Brown, former Mayor of Oxnard Dr. Manuel Lopez, VUSD Board of Trustees President Sabrena Rodriguez, VUSD Board of Trustees Vice-President Jackie Moran, VUSD Trustee (and former President) Velma Lomax, and VUSD Trustee Matt Almarez.

“I am proud to endorse Matt in his campaign for County Supervisor. His work ethic and community engagement has been a huge asset to the Ventura City Council, and I know he will serve the residents of Ventura County incredibly well as the next Supervisor for District 1” said former Mayor and current City of Ventura councilmember Cheryl Heitmann.

Mayor LaVere has also earned the support of the Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, the Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association, the City of Ventura Firefighters Association, the City of Ventura Police Officers Association, the Central Coast Labor Council, the Ventura Chamber of Commerce political action committee, IBEW Local 952, SEIU Local 721, the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters, UFCW Local 770, Laborers Local 585 (LiUNA), and the Tri-Counties Building & Construction Trades Council.

“Mayor LaVere has an exemplary record of serving the residents of Ventura, even in the most difficult of times following the Thomas Fire. He has proven himself to be an incredibly effective and innovative leader while advocating for public safety, economic development and the sustainability of Ventura’s future” said Kevin Aguayo, President of the Ventura County Professional Firefighters Association. “We believe a leader like Mayor LaVere will be a great addition to the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and we are proud to support his campaign.”

Matt LaVere was elected to the Ventura City Council in November 2016 as the top vote-getter. After serving for one year as Deputy Mayor, he now serves as Ventura’s Mayor. He has also served on the Ventura City Council’s Economic Development subcommittee, Homeless & Affordable Housing subcommittee and the Finance & Budget subcommittee. He has also represented the City Council on the Ventura Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development subcommittee, the Ventura Council of Governments (VCOG), the Association of Water Agencies (AWA), the Regional Defense Partnership for the 21st Century (RDP-21) and as the City Council’s liaison to the Casitas Water District board.

Neal Andrews, Ventura councilman and past mayor, dies

Andrews ran and won a seat on the city council in 2001.

by Richard Lieberman

Neal Andrews long term Ventura councilman and past mayor has died. Neal died on Sunday, August 4, 2019 following a protracted illness. He served his last year on the council as mayor a position he coveted.

Andrews ran and won a seat on the city council in 2001. His election changed the dynamics of the council at that time. His election and subsequent actions led to the changing of city managers in 2004. Neal was a conservative and used his conservative voice for what he believed to be a fiscally conservative approach to city government.

He was a minority on the council but was still able to implement requirements for individual water meters on multi-family housing projects. He also was an ardent supporter of the WAV artist housing project and he sponsored and supported the use of “seed” money for incubator businesses directly leading to the establishment of the Trade Desk.

Neal was instrumental in bringing the Highland Games to the city in 2003. He was a tireless advocate for the homeless and worked to get a permanent shelter established in the city. He was successful in this effort and saw his efforts rewarded shortly after leaving office when the council approved a year-round shelter(which will be coming soon). During his term in office he also was responsible for dealing with and managing the devastation after the Thomas fire. He also hosted a weekly show on CAPS-TV “Conversations with Neal Andrews.”

Andrews was elected mayor on the night the Thomas Fire started in December 2017.

Funeral services were held at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home.

Addressing homelessness in Ventura: City’s Safe & Clean Team works to address concerns

Learn more about the Safe and Clean program and how you can get involved.

by Meredith Hart

What is the City of Ventura doing to address homelessness? This is a frequently asked question. The City of Ventura works closely with local social service providers and the County of Ventura to support programs for long terms solutions for homeless individuals. The Safe and Clean Program is a City led effort to make substantial impacts on homelessness in our community. Here are a few ways the City is working with community partners to address this issue in Ventura:

1) Program Management: The City hired a Homelessness Manager in 2018.

2) Public Safety: The Ventura Police Department is engaged in what’s called restorative policing, or street outreach. This means that officers are working with chronic offenders, by conducting enforcement, uniting them with family or friends if they desire or getting individuals the appropriate medical attention that they need to get off the streets. Embedded within the unit is a mental health technician who assists in evaluating individuals and connecting them to resources for long term solutions. The Patrol Task Force works closely with the Safe and Clean Team to address concerns in Ventura. There is currently one Sergeant, two Corporals and three officers. An additional officer will join near the end of the year, making it an eight-person team.

3) Homeless Shelter: Construction is under way for the first year-round 24/7 shelter opening in early January 2020. The shelter will have 55 beds, with the main goal of moving individuals into permanent housing. This is an important part of a multi-pronged approach to make an impact in our homeless population.

4) Safe Sleep Program: This program, managed by the Salvation Army, has doubled in size. This is where individuals who are sleeping in their cars can park in specific lots from 7pm-7am. When they enter the program, they are case managed for an hour a week with the end goal being housing.

5) Transitional Living: River Haven is a transitional living center made up of tiny homes and managed by the Turning Point Foundation. This center continues to be funded and supports those who are moving out of homelessness but are not ready to enter traditional housing.

6) Trash Removal: The newly created Trash Removal Program in the Santa Clara River Bottom provides outreach in the river bottom area. Twice a month the Ventura Police Patrol Task Force and the Safe and Clean Team go into the Santa Clara River Bottom and remove trash bags that are brought to the trail. Homeless individuals are encouraged to bag their own trash. This helps alleviate the amount of larger encampment clean ups, helps build relationships and helps connect individuals to services when they will accept them. This program will end when the shelter opens.
7) Safe and Clean Hotline: Created to make reporting issues easier. Please call 805-677-3900 to report debris in public spaces, parks/public bathroom issues, graffiti, potholes and code violations

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8) Safe and Clean Team: The four-person team works proactively to address visible blight associated with homelessness, as well as general debris removal from public spaces throughout the City. In addition to removing debris, abandoned camps are cleaned-up in coordination with other partners such as the Patrol Task Force, Public Works, State Parks and Caltrans. The team is on duty 7 days-a-week.

9) Park Safety Ambassador Program: Downtown Ventura Partners contracts with Block by Block to offer a Park Ambassador program in Downtown’s public spaces and historic core. This includes in and around Mission Park, Plaza Park, the Promenade and bike path, as well as Kellogg Park along the Ventura Avenue. They help mitigate negative behaviors in public spaces. You’ll see them riding bikes around the Downtown Area wearing red shirts.

These are just a few of the ways the City of Ventura is working to address homelessness. Have questions? Learn more about the Safe and Clean program and how you can get involved by visiting www.cityofventura.ca.gov or by calling Safe and Clean Program Manager Meredith Hart at 805-658-4735.

Mirth, Merriment and Memory Making at the 144th Ventura County Fair

Thrill-seekers will enjoy this ride at the Fair. Photo by Richard Lieberman

The Ventura County Fair returns July 31 – August 11 with twelve days of fun, excitement and entertainment. This year’s fair, themed “A Country Fair with Ocean Air” is a celebration of one of Ventura County’s oldest and most beloved traditions. The Fair will feature unique exhibits, exciting contests, and top-of-the line Grandstand Entertainment performances, free with Fair admission.

The Ventura County Fair carries out the tradition of great values. Special admission days offer opportunities to enter the Fair free or at low prices.

Thrill-seekers will enjoy Carnival Wristband Days again this year. On August 1, 5, 6, and 8, purchase a $35 wristband, good for unlimited carnival rides until 7:00 pm.

The Fair offers a unique way for visitors to have fun while giving to the community at the “Feed the Need” Food Drive, presented by FOOD Share on Thursday, August 1. Bring 5 cans of food to donate to FOOD Share. For this, you’ll receive a free return ticket good for August 5-8.

Grandstand concerts are a Fair favorite, visitors can see wonderful musicals acts and rodeos free with paid admission. Rodeo Days are a sure way to Cowboy Up and experience great P.R.C.A. Pro Rodeo action and adventure with your family and friends!

Everywhere you look you will see someone singing, dancing, playing music, making magic and more. While there are acts from all over California the Fair takes great pride in presenting Ventura County talent. Check the schedule of events for these great local acts and say hello to our neighbors as they take to the stage.

The Fair makes transportation easy with free shuttle rides to and from the Fair. Convenient and comfortable, the shuttles begin ½ hour before the fair opens and bring visitors to the Fair’s front gate. No traffic hassles, no parking problems, free parking and free shuttle bus service to the Fair is available from 10:30 am until 11:00 pm at these locations: Oxnard Performing Arts Center (on Hobson Way in Oxnard) County Government Center (Lots E & F, off Telephone Rd. in Ventura) Pacific View Mall (off Mills Rd. in Ventura, near Sears Auto) Ventura High School (Larrabee lots off Poli St. in Ventura) Parking lot at Schooner & Harbor Blvd. (across from Sheraton 4 Points Hotel in Ventura) Free shuttle service is also provided from San Buenaventura State Beach off Harbor Blvd. in Ventura, but regular State Beach parking fees will be charged. Wheelchair capable busing is available from all sites.

Follow the Fair on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information, please visit www.venturacountyfair.org or call (805) 648-3376.

Police Activity League honors students and supporters

Twenty-four Ventura youths were honored at awards dinner. Photo by Aaron Kajumba

by Sheli Ellsworth

A strong police presence is usually associated with sirens, handcuffs and arrests. But on July 12, Ventura Police along with parents, sponsors and students crowded into the Ventura Beach Marriott for pasta, pizza and plaques. “We wanted to honor everyone who participates to make our Police Activity League(PAL) possible,” says Sal Flores who has worked hands-on with the afterschool boxing program for eight years. Flores also serves on the P.A.L. committee along with Omar Zapata, J. R. Luna, Ben Schuck, Joseph Hoss, Della Dowler, Jeanette Sanchez and Annette Garcia.

Ventura Police Chief Ken Corney was one of the founders of the P.A.L. program which was launched in 1998 and works to “ promote involvement between the youth, the police and the citizens of the City of Ventura by providing meaningful programs in the areas of sports, academics, education, and recreation,” according to their mission statement. Corney says he recalls arresting Flores and few other P.A.L. supporters back when he was a beat cop. Flores now sings praises for Corney, “You might have thought we couldn’t be friends, but he eventually became my friend and mentor. The whole board has the utmost respect for him.”

Youth who participated in the boxing program and have entered higher-education programs were awarded plaques for their perseverance and accomplishments. Twenty-four Ventura youths were honored including: Isabel Alvarez, Aldahair Benitez, Jackie Pinedo, Steve Pinedo, Fenix Valle, Lesley Alfaro, Gezell Contreras, Rosa Soto, Luis Grano, Kim Grano, Angelica Hernandez, Shayla Ortega, Julian Narvaez, Jacob Flores, Martha Lopez, Samantha Lopez, Max Rocha, Brenda Marcelino, Adriana Cardodo, Lisandra Hernandez, Veronica Ortega and Hugo Enrique. Several of the youth are already in four-year university programs, a few are starting local junior colleges. Enrique plans to become a policeman.

Flores, who found his own youth challenging, says, “Boxing is just a tool to get these kids off the streets and open to a more productive way of life. When you’re a kid with nothing to do, gang affiliation becomes a substitute for real purpose.” Many of the youth spoke about how important it was just to have a place to go after school and have someone to talk to. “Sometimes you just need someone to cry with you after a bad day,” one of the honorees said. They all agreed that the boxing program increased their confidence and self-worth.

Officers Eric Jackson and Misti Henderson were also honored for participating as mentors/coaches. The ceremony clearly touched Chief Corney’s emotions when he too received an appreciation plaque from Flores. Corney says, “I’m inspired by Sal’s accomplishments and his passion for the youth of our community and by officers like Jackson and Henderson who give their time to support P.A.L. programs.” Corney has served the department for 33 years and been the police chief for the last 10 years.